Post by Lee on Mar 5, 2014 2:58:03 GMT
I found the following in a Central article:
When the bodies of Nadab and Abihu had been disposed of, Moses set about restoring the activities of the Tabernacle courts. Checking on the sacrifices, he found that the portions of the people’s sin offering, which should have been eaten by Aaron and his sons, could not be found. Further enquiries revealed that they had been burned by Aaron on the great bronze altar. Thinking that here was another example of failure by the priests, Moses became angry (vv. 16–18).
Meekly Aaron explained his actions and Moses was pacified. Aaron’s explanation showed that he fully understood the spiritual meaning behind the sacrifices and that his motives were of the highest. Moses was pleased to find he had priests who knew what they were doing, and that what they had done would be favoured by God, because of the spirit in which it was done (vv. 19, 20).
What was in Aaron’s mind when he altered the law of the sin offering of the people? He appreciated that when he ate of his portion he represented God, and also the fellowship with God which results from sins forgiven. But how could he fulfil that rôle when two of his sons had at that time failed so miserably to rise to their high calling? A purely ritual response would have been wrong, savouring of hypocrisy.
But, why place these special portions on the altar of sacrifice? Two reasons suggest themselves. Firstly he was giving place to God, and allowing God to receive what had been his; acknowledging his unworthiness. Secondly he was transforming a sin-offering into a whole burnt offering, the highest form of sacrifice he could offer. He had transformed an unacceptable sacrifice into one most acceptable to God. His insight is remarkable.
1987 The Christadelphian p424
When the bodies of Nadab and Abihu had been disposed of, Moses set about restoring the activities of the Tabernacle courts. Checking on the sacrifices, he found that the portions of the people’s sin offering, which should have been eaten by Aaron and his sons, could not be found. Further enquiries revealed that they had been burned by Aaron on the great bronze altar. Thinking that here was another example of failure by the priests, Moses became angry (vv. 16–18).
Meekly Aaron explained his actions and Moses was pacified. Aaron’s explanation showed that he fully understood the spiritual meaning behind the sacrifices and that his motives were of the highest. Moses was pleased to find he had priests who knew what they were doing, and that what they had done would be favoured by God, because of the spirit in which it was done (vv. 19, 20).
What was in Aaron’s mind when he altered the law of the sin offering of the people? He appreciated that when he ate of his portion he represented God, and also the fellowship with God which results from sins forgiven. But how could he fulfil that rôle when two of his sons had at that time failed so miserably to rise to their high calling? A purely ritual response would have been wrong, savouring of hypocrisy.
But, why place these special portions on the altar of sacrifice? Two reasons suggest themselves. Firstly he was giving place to God, and allowing God to receive what had been his; acknowledging his unworthiness. Secondly he was transforming a sin-offering into a whole burnt offering, the highest form of sacrifice he could offer. He had transformed an unacceptable sacrifice into one most acceptable to God. His insight is remarkable.
1987 The Christadelphian p424
